The Alfred University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Division of Performing Arts will present four performances of the Tennessee Williams classic “A Streetcar Named Desire” Wednesday, April 6 through Saturday, April 9. Curtain time is 8 p.m.

Reservations are required. Tickets can be obtained by e-mailing performs@alfred.edu or by calling 607.871.2828. For a special package intended exclusively for high school teachers and students, or for any other questions, please contact the Division of Performing Arts at 607. 871.2562.

“Streetcar,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning modern drama, deals with the culture clash between two iconic characters, Blanche DuBois, a fading relic of the old South, and Stanley Kowalski, a rising member of the industrial, urban working class. Stephen Crosby, AU professor of theater, directs the production.

“A Streetcar Named Desire” made an immediate and profound impact following its Broadway opening on Dec. 3, 1947. That night, Williams received a 30-minute standing ovation. It propelled Marlon Brando, who played Stanley, into stardom and it earned Jessica Tandy a Tony Award for her portrayal of Blanche.

Williams’ multi-layered creation of genius seduces both theater practitioners and scholars alike to delve into deep exploration of the many complex themes and social issues presented within a truly compelling plot. Blanche represents a fragment of the past, a remnant of the old and powerful aristocratic South. Stanley represents the new, powerful and virile industrial South. These two forces, in absolute conflict with each other, provide the impetus for the play.

An Equity actor, director, and writer, “Streetcar” director Crosby has worked professionally in New York, Los Angeles, and in regional theaters. In the last few years he has returned to the stage as an actor, playing the role of Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol,” and performing and touring Alaska with the Fairbanks Shakespeare Festival. He holds a master of fine arts degree in directing from Florida State University.

Set designer for the Alfred University production is Markéta Fantová, associate professor of theater design. Senior Margot James designed the costumes, senior Zach Grosser designed the sound, and sophomore Amanda Elle is the production’s stage manager. Professor Donald Robert Fox of the University of Toledo is the production’s guest lighting director.